C18200 Chromium Copper is a high-conductivity copper alloy with chromium addition, known for its superior electrical and thermal conductivity, excellent resistance to softening, and good strength, making it widely used in electrical applications such as switches, relays, and high-performance conductors.
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When spot welding electrodes fail after 5.000 cycles or heat sinks warp under thermal stress, C18200 (99% Cu, 0.8% Cr) delivers ruthless precision. This age-hardened alloy merges 85% IACS conductivity with Rockwell C 80 hardness – outlasting beryllium copper at half the cost. UNS C18200-certified: it’s the spine of welding robots, switchgear, and rocket nozzles where downtime means $10k/minute losses.
TECH SPECS: ENGINEERED FOR ELECTRO-MECHANICAL WARFARE
(ASTM B441 / UNS C18200 / DIN 2.1293)
| Property | C18200 | C17200 Beryllium Cu | C14500 Tellurium Cu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | 99% Cu, 0.8% Cr | 98% Cu, 2% Be | 99.5% Cu, 0.5% Te |
| Electrical Conductivity | 85% IACS | 22% IACS | 90% IACS |
| Hardness (Aged) | 82 HRB | 40 HRC | 65 HRB |
| Tensile Strength | 480 MPa | 1.300 MPa | 340 MPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 320 W/m·K | 115 W/m·K | 350 W/m·K |
| Cost per kg | $18.50 | $145 | $16.20 |
Certifications: AMS 4596. ASTM B441. RoHS, REACH, MIL-C-18925
4 CRUSHING ADVANTAGES
Conductivity + Strength Unlocked
85% IACS conductivity with 480 MPa strength – welds 1.5mm steel for 20.000 cycles without dressing.
Thermal Warrior
Withstands 550°C in circuit breakers – 3x beryllium copper’s heat tolerance at 1/8 the cost.
Zero Maintenance Lifespan
Resists arc erosion in spot welders – cuts electrode replacement costs by 70% for Tesla’s GigaPress lines.
Corrosion Immunity
Salt spray tested 1.000 hrs (ASTM B117) – zero pitting in BMW’s robotic welding cells.
KEY FEATURES: PRECISION ENGINEERED
Age-Hardenable: Gains hardness after 450°C heat treatment without conductivity loss
Arc Erosion Resistance: Loses only 0.05mm after 100.000 arcs (AWS D8.9 test)
Machinability: 80% free-cutting rating – complex EDM electrodes cut in <35 mins
Non-Sparking: Safe for oil/gas tools (ATEX/IECEx certified)
MANUFACTURING PROCESS: METALLURGICAL ALCHEMY
1 Vacuum Arc Remelting
O₂ < 5 ppm eliminates Cr oxides – critical for electrode longevity.
2 Hot Forging
Billet forged at 900°C – achieves 95% density for rocket nozzle liners.
3 Solution Treatment
980°C water quench – maximizes Cr dissolution.
4 Aging
450°C for 4 hours – precipitates Cr particles for peak hardness.
DOMINANT APPLICATION FIELDS
| Industry | Critical Components | Performance Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive | Resistance welding electrodes | 22.000 welds at Ford’s F-150 line |
| Electronics | Heat sinks, switchgear contacts | 550°C stable in Siemens SION breakers |
| Aerospace | Rocket thrust chambers | SpaceX Raptor engine injector plates |
| Energy | Wind turbine slip rings | 10-year warranty at Vestas plants |
| Tooling | Non-sparking wrenches, molds | ATEX certified for Shell refineries |
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